Molly Qerim gasps 'you need new material' after Stephen A. Smith makes claim about her First Take outfit | The US Sun

It wasn’t just hot sports takes heating up the set of ESPN’s “First Take.” This time, it got personal — and viral.

During a fiery segment on the show, co-host Chris “Mad Dog” Russo dropped a bombshell question that fans have been whispering about for years: Is Stephen A. Smith secretly dating Molly Qerim? The internet’s favorite rumor finally made it to live television — and Stephen A. didn’t flinch.

“There’s nothing going on. Absolutely not true,” Smith said bluntly, finally breaking his silence on the long-standing speculation.

But he didn’t stop there.

With his signature blend of humor and bravado, Stephen A. went on:
“America’s been lying about that for years. But let’s be real — it just proves people recognize we’ve both got great taste. So hey, I’ll take the compliment.”

He added that the rumors, while unfounded, might be fans’ way of admiring the dynamic chemistry between the two hosts. And it’s true — their on-screen energy is undeniable. But Stephen A. made it crystal clear: romance isn’t part of the First Take script.

Despite the on-air denial, fans lit up social media, debating every word, glance, and smile exchanged between the pair. Many weren’t fully convinced — after all, this isn’t the first time a celebrity romance started with a denial.

ESPN First Take - After the show, Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim will take your questions on Facebook Live. Leave a comment below and they could answer it! | Facebook

The speculation only intensified after Molly Qerim’s public breakup from former NBA player and ESPN analyst Jalen Rose in December 2021. Their split after three years of marriage left fans wondering if there was more to the chemistry between Qerim and her co-host.

Molly Qerim & Stephen A. Smith Dating Rumors Explained

Known for his loud presence on screen, Stephen A. Smith is surprisingly private when the cameras are off. In a rare 2019 GQ interview, he revealed he has two teenage daughters, Samantha and Nyla, and shared his hope to marry one day — with the right woman.

But don’t expect any Instagram reveals or red carpet couple debuts anytime soon. “If I’m in a relationship,” Smith once said, “you won’t hear about it on national TV.”

Whether or not fans believe him, one thing is clear: Stephen A. Smith knows how to control the narrative. He shut down the rumors while gracefully complimenting his co-host, spinning a headline moment into yet another viral win for “First Take.”

And if that’s not peak Stephen A., we don’t know what is.